Tasracing Form

30/07/2024

“A lot of horses can win good money in Tasmania going through their grades, and you’re on your home soil.”

John Blacker prepared four of the eight winners to finish the season in Hobart last Sunday, and run away with the Trainer's Premiership -

Up until a month ago, the Tasmanian trainer's premiership looked li...

29/07/2024

Evergreen sprinter Behind Bars loves racing in Launceston, and makes the trip north this afternoon chasing a third consecutive victory -

Evergreen performer Behind Bars has cultivated a fondness for the L...

29/07/2024

Sent out as the $2.15 favourite, trainer-driver Olivia Weidenbach took the two-year-old daughter of Downbytheseaside straight to the lead from barrier two, where they had the race ran on her own terms, and dug deep late to hold off Itsmenotu ($16) and Isla Athena ($3.50) in a mile rate of 2:00.5s.

“It’s a pleasure to win with this filly. It’s been a long road with her. I have to thank my aunty Rita and the owners of her to give me a go with the horse,” said Weidenbach.

“She had a few tricks when she came here. She wouldn’t settle in her races and her last couple of starts she has sat in and come home pretty good. Tonight, she didn’t settle as well as I wanted, but once we got going, she was right.

Seven of the eight winners all lead throughout to win in Launceston...

29/07/2024

Trainer John Keys described him as a ‘bloody old marvel’ after Sir Simon, who turns 11 this week, turned back the clock with a brave win in the (1400m) Open Hcp.

Sir Simon ($5.50) started from the outside gate, worked across to the lead with jockey David Pires happy to sit one off the fence.

Just A Needs ($6.00) loomed to win but Sir Simon just refused to give in, Kaliuwaa Falls ($5.50) ran on to finish third.

“The track was nice and soft for him, he loves those conditions and he loves rolling in front, he’s 10 years old and still racing like a 3yo,” Pires said.

Sir Simon, who didn’t race until he five, has had 52 starts for 15 wins and 15 placings and almost $370,000 in prize money.

Read more from Sunday's program 👇

Trainer John Keys described him as a ‘bloody old marvel’ after ...

28/07/2024

Veteran race caller Colin McNiff, with numerous highlights in his extensive broadcasting career, will take on the significant task of calling the rather special greyhound meeting in Launceston on Monday night.

McNiff is set to occupy the on-track broadcast box above the grandstand at the Ladbrokes Racing Centre, where he will call the ten-event program, highlighted by the annual Shane Yates Memorial Cup Final.

The event, named after his colleague and late friend Shane Yates, holds significant emotional value for Colin.

The two esteemed local broadcasters have been integral to the Tasmanian racing scene in all codes for more than forty years, sharing responsibilities under a unique job title that many have aspired to in the field.

Great mates Colin McNiff and the late Shane Yates during their early broadcasting years.

“Shane was a very close friend; we’ve had an inseparable bond since the early 2000s,” Colin mused.

Read more 👇

Veteran race caller Colin McNiff, with numerous highlights in his e...

28/07/2024

Promising pacer Royal Appointment will be looking to complete a winning hat trick when he lines up in the Nutrien Ag Supplies Stakes (2200m) in Launceston on Sunday night.

The four-year-old gelded son of Guaranteed was purchased from Victoria by his trainer Micheal Laugher and his wife Toni last year, and this season to date, he has recorded eight wins and nine placings from 18 starts. The only time he missed a top-three finish, he was held up at a vital stage and finished fourth.

Read more 👇

Promising pacer Royal Appointment will be looking to complete a win...

28/07/2024

The curtain comes down on the 23/24 thoroughbred season in Hobart today. Enjoy the racing on TasracingTV, where Steve Hawkins & Bear Robinson are trackside to host the coverage.

Race 1 is set for 11:54 - https://buff.ly/2T2N5jS

27/07/2024

The three-year-old gelded son of Stonebridge Regal has done a bit wrong in his races early on in his 14-start career but had shown in recent starts that he was starting to turn the corner, which was to the delight of his trainer, Luke Hooper.

“It was a big relief. He has given plenty of headaches and heartaches,” said Hooper.

“He has gotten a bit more mature and he has switched on the last six weeks.

“Jacob (Duggan) gets along well with him. It was a patient drive, and he is the best junior we have in the state, in my view,” the trainer added.

The pacer was bred by long-time breeder Elliot Booth, who races the horse in partnership with Sandra Oakley.

“Elliot was tickle-pinked. He had a big smile on his face. I have had two horses for him, and he was the first one I have had consistently for him.

“He is a very patient owner, and it’s great that he has stuck by me and the horse,” added Hooper.

Hooper said he hasn’t looked at the future programming on where he will head next with Iden Kamakazi but did say he expects the pacer to pay his way going forward.

Read more 👇-

The smile couldn't be wiped off the faces of the connections of Ide...

26/07/2024

Sunday gallops are back at Tasmanian Racing Club Inc this week and Wally Reggett has lifted himself off the canvas after a Carlton loss to deliver the track report

25/07/2024

Concession driver Lachlan Dakin ended a run of outs on 14 July when he drove his first winner in almost two years.

Dakin, 25, scaled back his driving commitments after the 2020 season to concentrate on his university and work commitments.

“I was away from the horses for a while with uni and work, and I’m back involved a bit more now than I was. Every day for a few hours before work, I have been helping Todd with his horses,” said Dakin.

The concession driver said he was happy to get his recent win aboard Maebee for one of his loyal supporters.

“It has been a while, and it was good to go down there and get a win for Todd (Rattray). He has always been pretty good to me.

Dakin has been booked for three drives this weekend, including two at Friday night’s Hobart meeting. Read more 👇

Concession driver Lachlan Dakin ended a run of outs on 14 July when...

25/07/2024

After a lifetime in the industry, Tanya Hanson will saddle up her final runner in the last race of the season in Hobart on Sunday.

Hanson, currently training in partnership with her nephew Kyle Maskiell will take six horses to Hobart and is hoping to end her career on a winning note.

“I think its about time to retire, I’ve been in the industry a long long time, Kyle is taking up opportunities on the mainland which is good for him and I’ve decided to hang up the boots,” Hanson said.

“I still have shares in horses with a couple of trainers, so I’m looking forward to just going to the races and the trials to enjoy my horses racing.”

Read more - 👉

After a lifetime in the industry, Tanya Hanson will saddle up her f...

24/07/2024

Nominations for the TAB Eureka qualifier, The Beautide, close next Monday at 9:30am, and it's shaping up to be a beauty!

So far, the noms include:

Fighter Command
Duke's Choice
Nyack
Moth Hunter
Nancestiger
Spot Ruler
Iden Lady Lincoln
Cuzzy Bro
Herakles

24/07/2024

Renowned owner Greg Fahey is set to pursue a unique consecutive victory with three contenders ready to compete in the upcoming $18,260 Shane Yates Memorial Cup Final (515m) in Launceston next Monday night.

Fahey secured victories in two of the three Tasbred heats on Monday night, with Browsing About and Sweet Sundown clocking the fastest heat time of 29.81 seconds. Patrick Ryan trains both in Dilston.

Overall, Greg’s representation includes three runners, with Supreme Leader securing a spot in the field.

Prepared by his brother, Gary Fahey, Supreme Leader qualified as one of the fastest third-place finishers, placing behind Ted Medhurst’s heat winner, Volume Up, who triumphed with a time of 29.87 from box 3.

“Winning this race is something everyone aspires to,” reflected Greg Fahey on making the Shane Yates final.

“Having three runners with serious chances in the race is incredibly exciting. Pat (Ryan) deserves recognition for his work with Sweet Sundown, who has overcome numerous challenges at the start of her early career.

“Browsing About’s success has been bolstered by Pat’s management; he’s an exceptional dog. Initially, he didn’t take to Launceston, but that has since changed, and now he handles it as well as any other dog around.”

Browsing About is a Group 3 placegetter with 23 wins, while Sweet Sundown has secured nine wins in 13 starts.

Fahey celebrated a highlight by winning the previous year’s edition with his exceptional dog, Raider’s Guide.

To be in the final again is a tremendous thrill for Greg, as it allows him to honour a great mate, Shane Yates.

“Browsing About and Sweet Sundown faced challenging draws in the heats. Browsing About has been competing at the elite level, while Sweet Sundown is beginning to establish her reputation,” Greg stated.

“In the value of the draws, Sweet Sundown has fared better in box 3, while Browsing About is in box 6. It’s beyond our control what we draw in these finals; regardless of the box each dog starts from, luck is still a necessity.

“Roxy Rocker (2) and Buckle Up Majel (5) are both respected; whoever wins will have truly earned the prize.”

Shane Yates Memorial Cup Final Box Draw

1. Vintage Duchess
2. Roxy Rocker
3. Sweet Sundown
4. Supreme Leader
5. Buckle Up Majel
6. Browsing About
7. Vintage Class
8. Volume Up
9. Georgie Dean (1st Reserve)
10. Buckle Up Aria (2nd Reserve)

Renowned owner Greg Fahey is set to pursue a unique consecutive vic...

23/07/2024

The 2023/24 thoroughbred season wraps up this Sunday in Hobart, but Matt Reid has looked back on 12 months full of highlights before it does.

John Blacker 🥇
Anthony Darmanin 🥇
Erica Byrne Burke 🥇

The premierships have now been decided, and there were so many great winners along the way!!!

Ladbrokes.com.au Tasmanian Turf Club Inc. Tasmanian Racing Club Inc Devonport Racing Club at Ladbrokes All Weather Spreyton King Island Racing Club Inc.

23/07/2024

Imogen Miller looked to have a strong hand in the 1400m class 2 in Hobart on Sunday, and that’s just how it panned out, with her stable representatives, Dayan Star and Adachi, finishing first and second.

Dayan Star ($4.20) has been a model of consistency since coming across from Victoria, having raced five times for two wins, two placings and a fourth.

“He’s been really consistent and it’s good to see him put a couple of wins on the board.

He was ultra-consistent, didn’t have a lot of luck in some of those earlier runs and for Imogen, it was great to see Adachi ($10) run a good race, too; he’s been luckless, so surely he’s due for a change, of luck soon,” Brendan McCoull representing the stable said.

Miller’s partner, McCoull, has been sidelined since last November with a knee complaint, but the champion jockey refuses to concede defeat.

“I’ve been told I’ve got to do another six to eight weeks of physio, and we will see how we go. Hopefully, I get the chance to get back in the saddle. That would be great.”

Miller made it a double for the day when Fighting Floyd delivered a knockout blow from last to win the 1600m BM64.

As is his racing pattern, Fighting Floyd settled at the tail of the field before hooking to the extreme outside at the top of the straight.

“He’s been racing well; he won a couple of (starts ago) over the 1400m and this is the first time he’s won over the mile, so that’s another feather in his cap.

“He’s really enthusiastic about his work and he’s racing and we will just keep him ticking along while he’s going well and hopefully he can win another race or two,” McCoull said.

Fighting Floyd ($5.50) grabbed Agnete ($8) late, with Unique Glow ($19) running on well for third.

Drought breaker
A change of luck for popular jockey Georgie Catania ended a run of outs and kicked home her first winner since spending six months sidelined earlier this season through injury.

Catania was aboard the John Keys-trained Goddess Of Rock, who came from second last to put her nose in front right on the post in the opening event, a 1200m Maiden.

Goddess Of Rock had been placed at three of her six starts and had her first run since March.

“She keeps showing us she’s got some ability with this horse, and it isn’t a surprise at all; Tegan (Keys) said she has been going good, and we’re pretty happy with her,” John Keys said.

“She’s been getting back in her races last prep; she’s not the easiest horse to ride; you feel like you’re always at her. 1200m, they rolled along in front, fresh was perfect, and it’s good to get a win,” Catania said.

Catania is planning a move to South Australia to join her partner, fellow jockey Taylor Johnstone, after the racing season concludes.

Goddess Of Rock was a drifter in the market, starting at $26 after opening $11; she scored by a half-head over Sunrise At Kirra ($16 – $8), with Rare Oro ($5) finishing third.

Keys made it two for the day when Nicco The Greek ($3.90) came from well back in the field to win the 1100m BM68.

Ridden by David Pires, Nicco The Greek always races well fresh, and he finished strongly coming from about six lengths off the pace at the 400m.

“We will just pick his way through the grades and hopefully he’s peaking when we get to the good races,” Keys said.

“He’s obviously a very good horse fresh; he’s a tricky horse to ride. You have to ride him for a fair bit of luck, and to the horse’s credit, he hit the line well,” Pires added.

Youraway ($7.50) finished very well to run second, while early leader Thunberg ($7.50) stuck on for third.

Imogen Miller looked to have a strong hand in the 1400m class 2 in ...

22/07/2024

The showdown between in-form chasers, Frazier Price and Time Passages, in the Ulverstone Pet Foods Grade Five over 515 metres, highlights Tuesday’s afternoon meeting in Launceston.

The upcoming race will be a rematch between Time Passages and Frazier Price, following their last encounter in a Tasmanian Oaks heat on 1 July, where Time Passages triumphed and Frazier Price finished five lengths behind in fourth place.

Time Passages wins her heat of the Tasmanian Oaks in Launceston on 1 July.

Frazier Price will occupy box 7 in the eighth race on Tuesday, positioned as the $1.65 favourite and aiming to secure her ninth career win for trainer Stephen Gerrard and her eighth triumph over this track and distance.

The daughter of Aston Dee Bee has a record of two wins out of five races from box 7, with a personal best time of 29.61 seconds while wearing the black vest.

Time Passages, the white and blue daughter of Whiskey Riot, assumes the esteemed rails position under trainer Patrick Ryan, priced at $2.60 as the second favourite, in pursuit of her fourth career victory.

Frazier Price possesses the class and ability to overcome the challenge of a wide draw, while Time Passages benefits from the inside position and favourable statistics to secure a victory.

Dewana Boogie, racing from box 5 for trainer Anthony Bullock, threatens the top two.

The upcoming five Devonport-graded meetings are scheduled to take place in Launceston. Concurrently, Hobart will enter a recess period after this Thursday, with all three race meetings set to occur in Launceston next week.

Brennan Ryan’s top selections for Launceston, 23 July.

Race 2 – 5. Bearville Bronx
Race 4 – 1. Buckle Up Elise
Race 7 – 2. Big Yeti
Race 10 – 7. Lady Juliette

All 10 races on Tuesday afternoon will be shown on Sky 1, with the first race set to jump at 12:01.

The showdown between in-form chasers, Frazier Price and Time Passag...

22/07/2024

Wesley Vale trainer John Castles claimed his second Tasbred final success when lightly raced mare Spot Ruler ($3.50) claimed the Group 3 Granny Smith Final (2698m) in Launceston on Sunday night.

Driver Gareth Rattray, who was also celebrating a birthday, took the daughter of Huntsville straight to the early lead, and after some moderate early sections, she was able to dash away in the home straight to score by 7.2m in a mile rate of 2:03.6s on a rain-affected track.

“Things went our way early when she was able to lead, and once she held it she was good from there. Gareth was able to rate her well in front, and I was actually surprised by the way she kicked halfway up the straight,” said Castles.

The mare had a large support crew on track cheering her home, including Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff. She has been lightly raced, with Sunday’s race being her sixth career start.

“It’s been one thing after another with her, usually viral, but at the moment, that seems behind her.”

The trainer was unsure if the pacer would press on to next month’s Beautide, electing to wait and see how she comes through Sunday’s run.

Spot Ruler is a half-relation of Castles’ previous Tasbred winner, Agouda Ruler, who won the Dandy Patch in 2020.

Nyack claims Raider Stakes
The Todd Rattray trained and driven Nyack ($1.35) claimed the Group 3 Raider Stakes Final (2698m).

Todd Rattray took the pacer straight to the early lead and enjoyed some soft early sections before dashing away for an eight-metre win over De Goey ($2.80), who was severely checked and subsequently broke on the first turn and settled at the tail of the field as a consequence.

The mile rate was 2:03.7s.

“I thought he went good. De Goey galloped, which allowed us to dictate the race. But he felt good through the line,” said Rattray.

“He will go to the Beautide in a fortnight. That has been his main aim,” the trainer-driver added.

Another potential starter in the Beautide from the Rattray stable is last season’s two-year-old filly of the year, Swiatek Leis ($13), who caused a minor upset in the Beautide 3YO Prelude (2200m).

“She has plenty of ability, but she is a bit hot to handle. She was jogging on their backs, went past them, but then wanted to stop.

“I will talk to Trevor and Marjorie Leis (owner-breeders) about if we head towards the Beautide,” said Rattray.

Rattray ended the night with a treble, with Hunt A Rainbow, also Beautide eligible, winning his third race at start 12.

Blitzern turns tables
Former Victorian pacer Blitzern was defeated a head in track record time in the Golden Mile two starts ago, and he was able to turn the tables over his more fancied rivals in the inaugural running of the Darrel Rockliff Graduate (2200m).

From an inside of the second-row draw, driver Mitch Ford pushed through to settle on the back of the leader before working into the clear around the home bend, where he was able to rundown Magician ($1.85 fav) by 1.3m in 1:58.0s.

Wesley Vale trainer John Castles claimed his second Tasbred final s...

22/07/2024

Hoping to put the trainer’s premiership beyond doubt, Longford trainer John Blacker brought a 19-strong team to Hobart and ensured he would collect the trophy with three winners in the first six races on Sunday.

The consistent Fake Magic was Blacker’s third win of the day after a gun ride from Kelvin Sanderson.

A 4YO, Fake Magic has now won five of his 30 starts, and Blacker hopes he can keep progressing.

“He’s been racing in the stronger company; I thought the outside barriers would go forward, which they did, and Kelvin landed in a good spot. I think he’s up to class horses; he might improve as he gets a bit older, “ Blacker said.

Punters struggled early in the day when Montezulu, at double figures, took out the 2100m Maiden/Class 1 ridden by Siggy Carr for Blacker.

Carr was three wide with cover tracking the favourite Es And Es before dashing past that horse and racing clear for an easy win despite drifting off the track.

“He got a lovely cart up, and I always felt the winner from the top of the straight. Half way down the straight I knew I had the horse there, but he was doing a fair bit wrong; he got a little bit lost in front,” Carr said

Montezulu ($14) won by almost three lengths from Tideford ($12) and Rafael’s Raid ($7.50).

Blacker was back in the winner’s stall when his promising 3YO Rubble ‘N’ Fudd made it two wins from just three starts in the 1200m Class 1.

From a low draw, Rubble ‘N’ Fudd ($3.80) settled midfield and made ground along the rails around the home turn before setting after the leader La Virago ($11). Light Of Rose ($3.50) was almost four lengths away third.

“He’s a promising horse with a future. He won first-up, we took him to Devonport, and he was wide all the way, but at the 200m he looked like he would get a result, but he just weakened a tad. Three weeks between runs, back in Hobart a better barrier draw, so a good result and a nice win,” Blacker said.

Apprentice title done and dusted
Any doubt Erica Byrne Burke would win the apprentice title was put to rest early in the program when she booted home Who Can It Be Now for trainer Rowan Hamer in the 1400m Maiden.

The win gave Byrne Burke a seven-win premiership lead which she will claim for the first time despite missing next week’s final meeting of the season through suspension.

Who Can It Be Now put in a strong performance after being three wide without cover through the race.

“He’s been a bit frustrating, but he’s finally got the job done,” Hamer said.

“He just overdoes it a little bit, just very green and doing a lot wrong, but he’s finally put it all together today.”

Who Can It Be Now ($15) scored by a length from Love Nest ($3.40) with Sterrek ($18) third.

“He’s done a good job, he was three wide the whole way, but he loves it out there; he’s quite green, but he was really happy; he really loved the soft track today,” Byrne Burke said.

Hoping to put the trainer's premiership beyond doubt, Longford trai...

21/07/2024

Track specialist and current Illingworth Classic champion Volume Up has drawn an ideal position to secure his heat in the Shane Yates Memorial Tasbred Cup (515m) in Launceston on Monday night.

Volume Up, the son of Fernando Bale, occupies box 3 in his heat (race five) and enters the race on a winning streak, having secured back-to-back victories in Hobart since recovering from a split webbing injury.

Mangalore trainer Ted Medhurst, who conditions the chaser for Cameron Betts, is pleased with the current form, positioning him as a contender for the series in its fifth year honouring the late Shane Yates.

“Since his return, his trials have been outstanding,” Ted remarked about Volume Up.

“The two starts in Hobart were exceptional and show that he is in top form; we can’t find any faults.”

Over 10 starts in Launceston, Volume Up has achieved an impeccable record, securing five victories and five minor placings. This includes a personal best time of 29.47 seconds set in April of this year.

Ted considers Volume Up the right dog with an impressive track record, making it a top contender.

“He has proven his skill at Launceston by securing wins in major races. This clearly indicates the dog’s preference for the track and how box 3 provides a significant advantage,” Ted remarked.

Volume Up is up against rivals Supreme Leader, starting from box 7, and Whiskey Flyer, who is in box 3.

Medhurst also features two skilled chasers, Kingfish and Fly High Bet, participating in the series.

The Launceston Greyhound Racing Club has drawn three heats for the premier Tasbred event. The top two finishers and the two fastest third-place runners will compose the field for next Monday night’s final.

This event, previously known as the Minister’s Gift beginning back in 2001 and later the Winter Tasbred Cup in 2018, was renamed in honour of Shane Yates in 2020 won by Wynburn Lethal for Ben Englund.

Brennan Ryan’s top selections for Launceston, 22 July

Race 1 – 1. Academy
Race 3 – 7. Buster Scruggs
Race 5 – 3. Volume Up
Race 7 – 2. Gravitational

All 10 races on Monday night will be shown on Sky 1, with the first race set to jump at 19:22.

Track specialist and current Illingworth Classic champion Volume Up...

21/07/2024

An outstanding night of harness racing is about to commence in Launceston, with 10 races on the card.

Jamie Cockshutt has looked after the form and put together his Staking Strategy

Race 1 - Carmen Emjay (4) 3 units to win
Race 2 - Miki Sanz (4) 2 units e/w
Race 3 - Lifeofbrian (7) and Sapphire Gambler (6) 1 unit to win
Race 4 - James in Charge (3) 2 units to win and Loyola Trios (11) 1 unit to win
Race 5 - Spot Ruler (5) and Reely Nauti (7) 3 units to win
Race 6 - Magician (10) 3 units to win
Race 7 - Nyack (5) 3 units to win
Race 8 - Hazewillrev (4) 3 units to win
Race 9 - Spacewriter (1) 2 units to win and Botany Bay Warrior (4) 1 unit to win
Race 10 - Royal Appointment (2) 5 units to win

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit https://buff.ly/3YhBxsV

Sunday night racing is in Launceston for a huge feature night, whic...

21/07/2024

TasracingTV is the place to watch a big day of Tasmanian racing!

Duncan Dornauf is trackside to host the eight-race thoroughbred program in Hobart, before Adrian Collins hosts Launceston Harness, featuring the Granny Smith and Raider Stakes Finals - https://buff.ly/2T2N5jS

20/07/2024

Wesley Vale trainer John Castles will be out to continue his good recent run on a feature night of racing in Launceston on Sunday night.

Castles has three runners engaged in the Group 3 Collins Homes Granny Smith. His stable is also represented in the Group 3 Tasfreight Raider Stakes and the Beautide 3YO Prelude.

Spot Ruler and Moth Hunter both drew favourable in the Granny Smith (2698m) race and lead the trainers’ chances.

Spot Ruler led all the way to win the prelude of the race on 7 July at her fifth race start, with Gareth Rattray in the sulky, and the trainer is expecting improvement from the mare.

“I thought she done a good job in the prelude. She went into that underdone, and I expect her to improve.

“She has had a few issues, and hopefully, they are behind her,” said Castles when asked why the mare was lightly raced.

Moth Hunter will be driven by John’s nephew Charlie and has drawn well in barrier two.

She has won seven of her 18 starts and finished sixth in the prelude after settling back in the field from a wide second-row draw.

“I think when you look at the sectionals, her run was alright. She has drawn to get things go her way this time, and we have been happy with her since that run.

“They both have good gate speed, and I expect them both to come out pretty good,” the trainer said.

Nancys Hope rounds out his trio in the race, with the mare breaking her maiden status three starts ago after running 15 minor placings. Rohan Hadley will drive her from a wide second-row draw.

“She just needs things to go her way. She got held up a bit in the prelude and will need a bit of luck with her draw,” said the trainer.

For all horses in the race, it will be their first try past 2600m.

“The distance is the unknown with all of them, but I don’t expect it to worry Spot Ruler, and Moth Hunter is good with a trail, and I don’t think it will worry her too much,” Castles said.

The Raider Stakes (2698m) looks to be a great clash between impressive heat winners Nyack and De Goey, and Castles will be looking to cause a minor upset with Nancestiger.

“The distance will suit him as he is a stronger horse. I think the other two have the class edge, but you never know as he is never that far behind them,” said the trainer.

In the Beautide 3YO Prelude (2200m), Castles prepares Bettablack Tiger, who won at his only start on 28 June.

“He is pretty raw. I think he will be up to them. It’s a bit of an ask with his experience, but there is a bit of upside with him, I think,” Castles said.

Hazewillrev and Smooth Machete sit at the top of early betting.

The Devonport Harness Racing Club traditionally held the meeting prior to the loss of their racing venue. The club has organised a bus to take us from the northwest coast to the meeting. Further details are available by contacting the D.H.R.C on 0408 333 971.

Wesley Vale trainer John Castles will be out to continue his good r...

20/07/2024

Despite a wet week, the Hobart track is looking super ahead of an eight-race card tomorrow Tasmanian Racing Club Inc

Wally Reggett has the update 👇

19/07/2024

Dual licence holder Siggy Carr enters the final two meetings of the racing season with a deal of satisfaction, having had her best year as a trainer-jockey.

At present, Carr sits sixth on both premiership tables. She has ridden 35 winners at a strike rate of 11% and trained 27 winners at a healthy 17%.

“It’s been a fantastic season, a credit to all my staff and owners that have supported us; we’ve come across a couple of really handy horses throughout the season in the stable, so we’ve been really lucky,” Carr said.

The horses Carr is referring to are Ms Tasmania, a two-year-old who raced only three times for two wins and a third and almost $100,000 in prize money, and Thespian Waters, a three-year-old who has won five times and been placed five times from 12 starts. He went for a spell on the back of four consecutive wins.

“Thespian Waters has just returned, he has done beautifully in the paddock, he will target the Goodwood and Newmarket and races like that.

“Ms Tasmania is returning this week, and we will set her for all the 3YO races whether or not she gets any further than 1200m, we will find out through the upcoming preparation, and that will steer her in what direction we will send her.

“We’ve also got a couple of horses that we will target at the Cups next season. Pennine and Swoop There It Is, and we are looking forward to that, and we’ve got some really nice ‘bread and butter’ type horses and some really nice young stock. Dad (Royston) has broken in a couple of the yearlings, and we are impressed with what we’ve got.”

As usual it will be a busy day at the office for Carr who has rides in seven of the eight races while her staff will take care of the four horses entered from the stable.

She looks to have a great chance to kick home a winner in the opening event, a 1200m maiden aboard the John Blacker-trained Need To Think, who caught the eye with an impressive first-up third two weeks ago.

“I think having a run under his belt will really help; the track may be a little wet, but that is certainly a nice ride in the first.”

Another strong winning chance for Carr is Lovin’ Bev, who goes around in the 1400m class 4.

Lovin’ Bev, also trained by Carr, has just returned from Melbourne, where she ran a creditable fifth of 12 in a BM70 (1300m).

“I thought she acquitted herself beautifully over in Melbourne. Lakeside at Sandown didn’t quite suit her being a front runner; it’s a very long straight, and that just found her out a little bit in the finish. She worked really well this morning, and we are very happy with her.”

The first event is at 11.45. My best bet, Bounty Bay, is in the last. He looks ready to win after two runs this prep and looks suited by the step up in distance.

As usual, you can catch all the action from Hobart on TasracingTV with Duncan Dornauf trackside with the latest information and interviews.

Dual licence holder Siggy Carr enters the final two meetings of the...